A picture says more than a thousand words, that’s what they say. And it’s true. But photos of Tony are rare, because there are only a couple of days per month where you can go and get photos of/with him (if you are on his visitation list). You’re allowed to have $25 with you in a seethrough plastic bag and a photo is $3. So you have to choose wisely, do you want to get pictures or do you want to buy some food and drinks from the vending machines, so you can share a meal with him!?
But photos are so important. They shine a light on the person that Tony is today. Funny, witty and smart after all these years of being isolated. There is nothing that can stop this man from getting up on his feet again. You have to see it to believe it is another saying, and it is also true. You have to see the man to believe it. Almost 30 years of being locked up, but still smiling.
And it’s also important to see his surroundings, his daily struggle, to get a better understanding of this man.